Brad Staley Named OCS Wells Fargo Principal of the Year

Northside High School Principal Brad Staley has been named the 2026-2027 OCS Wells Fargo Principal of the Year. 

Staley is a veteran educator with more than 25 years in public education. As a principal with Onslow County Schools, he has served at Richlands High School and Northside High School.  

Under his leadership, students and staff alike experience a culture of trust and unity. Staley works to ensure that teacher voices remain at the center of school improvement decisions and approaches all challenges with a dedication to fairness and understanding. Those who work closely with him say he embodies all the qualities of an exceptional principal: integrity, vision, compassion, and commitment to excellence.    

With Staley at the helm, Northside High School has seen significant academic growth. During the 2025-2026 school year, the school exceeded growth expectations, with notable increases in Math I, Math III, and Advanced Placement test scores. This can be attributed to his strategic focus on a schoolwide goal-setting process that has empowered students to take ownership of their learning. In addition, the implementation of a Student Success Team ensures that struggling students are quickly identified and provided targeted interventions.  

“These systems reflect his belief that every student deserves both high expectations and high levels of support,” said Assistant Prinicpal Maria McCarty.  

His belief in every child is also reflected in the way he works to expand opportunities for students. He champions workforce readiness initiatives, helped launch a Teacher Cadet course, supported the construction of an electrical trades lab, promoted an e-sports initiative, and cultivated a meaningful partnership with a local military unit through the Adopt-a-School program. Each of these programs represents opportunities for students to explore passions, talents, and potential career pathways.  

In her letter of support, Northside High School teacher Dolly Grosskopf shared that Staley exemplifies exceptional educational leadership. 

“His compassion, vision, collaboration, and dedication to safety and achievement have created a school community where students and staff feel supported, challenged, and inspired.”  

A committee comprised of district staff members, last year’s principal of the year and last year’s teacher of the year interviewed Principal of the Year finalists before making a selection.  

Next, Staley will go on to compete at the regional level.  

Finalists for OCS Principal of the Year included: 

• Dr. Carl Cruthis, Blue Creek Elementary School 

• Courtney Moffitt, Jacksonville Commons Elementary School 

• Brad Staley, Northside High School